Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of fluorinated pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system agents. Its fluorinated aromatic structure combined with a chiral amine functionality makes it valuable for enhancing metabolic stability and binding selectivity in drug candidates. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis routes where the (S)-enantiomer provides optimal biological activity. Also utilized in the development of radiolabeled compounds for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging due to the presence of fluorine, enabling direct incorporation of F-18 in some labeling strategies.